The Dell Bar - is it worth joining next season?

[SaintRobbie]

OK, I admit it. I have been away from the UK for a couple of years lately and although my family still get down to see the games I have been subject to Sky, ESPN and Cricfree streaming (thank goodness for the latter!!)

 

But, friends, Saintonians and Hamphire countymen, I am returning home and will be reinstating myself as a Season Ticket holder for next season, with my family.

 

We all used to be members of the Dell Bar. It was a great place to meet family and chill for a couple of pints whilst the crowds left, then catch the players leaving with the kids who loved having their shirts signed on our way out past the shop and players car park. My question to you all is "Is it worth buying a family membership of the Dell Bar next season?"

 

I have read online (admittedly toward the start of the season) several complaints since Cortese has taken over - removal of chairs and tables, cost, no hot food anymore etc etc. Is this bastion of the fan base being taken for a ride? Is it worth the £100 odd for membership? Does it need to be re-addressed by the Club and made better? Is there still a committee or has Cortese killed it off? Does it reveal a rather negative aspect of the Club - erosion of fan viewpoints and service, despite our renewed positivity of late?

 

I'm not really looking to create a stink - just want to know if its worth joining as it was last time I was home, or has the Club eroded it and should I head towards Bedford Place for a decent scoff and pint instead!?

[70's Mike]

imo not worth the money

[Seaford Saint]

I live in Newbury so for me and lots of others it is worth the cost.

 

If I was local I am not so sure I would go.

[SaintRobbie]

What do you get for your money though? Have the tables and chairs been removed? What's it like at the moment?

[bender]

Is there a big queue at the bar?

[Junction 9]

No.

[Pugwash]

No.

 

Is that "No, there's not a big queue at the bar"; or, "No, it's not worth joining"?

[Saint_clark]

Some great feedback so far.

[Bensfcno1]

It needs to be expanded into a 'Shearer's' type bar at St James'. It was a nice atmosphere in their before the game earlier in the season.

[Saint Malc]

I, unfortunately, won't be re-subscribing next season. For the first game of the season (manure) I was quite impressed with the atmosphere, seating arrangements, beer selection (draught Becks), quick bar service and food. I need to get to games quite early as I go with a disabled friend and it was a pleasant experience plus I knew it would be a good place to be during the freezing weather until just prior to kick-off. That rapidly changed though with the removal of most of the seating, no hot food and unavailability of hot drinks. I wrote a couple of traditional snail mail letters to the management suggesting the re-instatement of the situation as it was at the start of the season (they completely lost my first letter) and within the next few weeks some of the seating (not all) and hot food returned. I will say though that the staff are very friendly and helpful and they were gobsmacked at the time at how the club had deteriorated over the few short weeks since the start of the season. I got the impression that the Dell Sports Bar is not the highest priority of the club (understandably so) and had decided not to put any effort into keeping the patrons onside.